Upcountry Ag and Farm Fair, a 31-Year Tradition

By Wendy Osher

'Ohana Ranch Rodeo. Photo courtesy of Upcountry Fair Maui.

The ranching and farming lifestyle of Upcountry Maui will be celebrated in the Upcountry Ag and Farm Fair June 11-12, 2011.  Now in it’s 31st year, the tradition continues with an ‘Ohana Ranch Rodeo, 4-H Livestock Auction, Whole Foods Market Agricultural Tent, and entertainment hosted by Haleakala Ranch.

The event takes place at the Oskie Rice Field and Arena on Olinda Road in Makawao, with activities running from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days.  This year’s theme, Nana ‘Ike Kumu (Look to the Source), celebrates the lifestyle of Upcountry, Maui while creating opportunities for the island’s youth to develop an interest in agriculture, animal husbandry and ranching.

4-H Livestock Auction: The Maui 4-H Livestock Association’s annual animal show and

4-H Keiki enjoying the fair. Photo courtesy of Upcountry Fair Maui.

sale is one of the featured activities.  Maui youth will present the farm animals they have raised for the year and offer them for sale at an auction.

‘Ohana Ranch Rodeo: The ‘Ohana Ranch Rodeo will take place in the rodeo arena from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.  Haleakala Ranch will also present the Paniolo (Cowboy) Tent, featuring the Paniolo Hall of fame, which honors cowboy heroes from across the state dating back to the late 1800s. There will also be historical photos and antique saddles on display from Haleakala and Piiholo Ranches, Kaonoulu Ranch, ‘Ulupalakua Ranch, Hana Ranch and Kahuku Ranch from Hawai‘i Island.

Food for Though: Produce and Cattle: Fair-goers can shop for Maui County Farm

4-H auction. Photo courtesy of Upcountry Fair Maui.

Bureau farm-fresh produce and plants at the Whole Foods Market Agricultural Tent. Maui Cattle Company hosts a professional Chefs’ Demonstration utilizing grass-fed beef on Saturday.  Chef Justin Pardo of Market Fresh Bistro will begin at 9:30 a.m. and Chef Tylun Pang of The Fairmont Kea Lani Maui will follow at 11 a.m. The Made-in-Hawai‘i Tent features crafts and packaged foods.

Horse Rides and Activities Just for Kids: Under the Keiki Boot Tent there will be games, contests and prizes, and Thompson Ranch will return with Horse Rides. Attendees can enjoy grazing on Maui style food, featuring BBQ chicken, beef and pork plates, lumpia, chow fun, salads, Indian dishes and desserts.  Additional activities include a Pie Eating Contest on Saturday and Hot Dog Eating Contest on Sunday. Keiki are invited to participate in a Stick Pony Rodeo and sack races.

Entertainment, Upcountry-Style: Haleakala Ranch’s Entertainment Tent presents Maui performers, George Kahumoku Jr., Benny Uyetake, The Shamrocks and Jah Residentz on Saturday.  Sunday entertainment continues with Uncle Richard Ho‘opi‘i and his ‘ohana, the Hawaiian Serenaders, ‘Ukulele Pops Band, Country Band and Marty Dread.

The Annual Upcountry Ag & Farm Fair is sponsored in part by the County of Maui Office of Economic Development; Tri-Isle Resource, Conservation and Development Council; Maui County Farm Bureau; Maui Cattle Company; Haleakala Ranch; Maui 4-H Livestock Association; Whole Foods Market; Maui Soda & Ice Works, Ltd and Roselani Ice Cream.